Mickey, Mickayla, and Taylor are starting a new business (MMT). To get the business started, Mickey is contributing $200,000 for a 40% ownership interest. Mickayla is contributing a building with a value of $200,000 and a tax basis of $150,000 for a 40% ownership interest, and Taylor is contributing legal services for a 20% ownership interest. Using the research skills you learned in Week 1, access RIA Checkpoint and research what amount of gain/income each owner is required to recognize under each of the following alternative situations?

a. MMT is formed as a C corporation.
b. MMT is formed as an S corporation.
c. MMT is formed as LLC.

Mickey and Mickayla will not recognize any gain, while Taylor must recognize $100,000 as ordinary income. Mickey and Mickayla's exchange classifies under §351, but Taylor's doesn't.

b. MMT is formed as an S corporation.

Mickey and Mickayla will not recognize any gain, while Taylor must recognize $100,000 as ordinary income. Mickey and Mickayla's exchange classifies under §351, but Taylor's doesn't.

c. MMT is formed as LLC.

Mickey and Mickayla will not recognize any gain, while Taylor must recognize $100,000 as ordinary income. Mickey and Mickayla's exchange classifies under §721, but Taylor's doesn't.

Explanation:

Basically §351 and §721 are very similar except that one applies to corporations and the other applies to partnerships and LLCs. No gain will be recognize when assets are transferred in exchange for equity, and the people involved in the exchange can control the company.